These Two Small, Cheap Cars Are Selling Like Hotcakes, Despite Impending Discontinuation

The Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa are the last two mainstream, affordable subcompact cars—heck, last inexpensive cars of any kind—left on the North American market. And guess what? They're recently selling pretty darn well. How well and for how long? 

Nissan Announces New 2020 Versa

While some automakers are pulling out of the subcompact marketplace, Nissan has recently announced its all-new 2020 Versa sedan.

Behold: The Refreshed 2015 Nissan Versa

Nissan is mildly refreshing its hot-selling Versa sedan here in the States. While it isn't earth shattering, there are some aesthetic differences. Of note, new headlamps and a new grille, fog light finishing trim, and a more dynamic rear fascia. There are different wheels, too.

I will say the changes do make the vehicle looks a bit nicer, although I still think the Versa isn't prettiest girl at the dance.

There are some modest changes inside the Versa, too. Enhancements for the 2015 model year include a new center stack shape, which is similar to that found on the Versa Note, a revised meter display with white LED display (previously orange illumination color) and a new, more substantial, steering wheel with standard audio and Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System controls. Versa Sedan S and S Plus grades feature a wide AM/FM/CD audio system with standard auxiliary-in and Radio Data System (RDS), standard assist grips, a passenger-side vanity mirror and new seat fabric.

Versa Sedan SV adds an outside temperature display, USB/iPod® controls, upgraded fabric headliner, map light with key-linked illuminated entry and silver finishers on the center instrument panel cluster. SL models include Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and an AM/FM/CD/USB-iPod audio system with 5.0-inch display and NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps.

No changes in the power department, however, as the car still comes with the 1.6-liter HR16DE four cylinder making 106 horsepower and 107 ft./lbs. of torque. Transmission options will be a five-speed manual, four-speed automatic, or CVT. Fuel economy is 31 city, 40 highway, and 35 combined with the CVT.

Nissan sells a boatload of these smallish sedans here in the U.S., and I'm sure these changes will likely help continue to keep sales strong.

SOURCE: Nissan

The manual transmission penalty

Those of us who want a car with a manual transmission are often penalized by not being able to get other options we want. As if those of us who want to row our own gears don't want some of the other niceties found on different trim levels that are only available with an automatic.

For example, we had the 2013 Subaru Impreza XV Crosstrek 2.0i Limited last week for review, which included the moonroof option and the CVT gearbox. We went to Subaru.com to research the vehicle a bit more. It's available in two trims: 2.0i Premium and 2.0i Limited. Being die-hard manual transmission drivers, we went to see if the Crosstrek could be had with a manual, and sure enough it can, at least in the Premium model. While we don't really want leather, don't need automatic climate control, or the best stereo, Mercedes (my wife), really wants our next vehicle to have a moonroof. But guess what? You cannot buy a Crosstrek with a manual transmission and get the moonroof. To get the moonroof, you have to upgrade to the Limited trim level, and that only comes with a CVT. In fact, most of the Subaru lineup is that way. Granted, you can get a standard Impreza 2.0i Premium with a moonroof option and a manual trans, but it doesn't have the factory roof rails. I guess you just can't have it all. 

Subaru isn't the only company that does this. There are a number of automakers that only offer the manual transmission on the base models or exclude options if you want a stick shift. Want a Nissan Versa Sedan with power windows and a manual transmission? Sorry—ain't gonna happen. You'll have to step up to the Plus model and, as you may have guessed, it's only available with the CVT. How about a Mazda CX-5 with a six-speed manual? You can have it with front-wheel drive and the standard options, but not anything else, including no AWD.Heck, I remember my first car, a 1992 Mitsubishi Expo, couldn't be had with a rear window wiper unless you got an automatic transmission. Really? How much sense does that make?

I'm sure all this has to do with take rates and specific options, and I'm sure the automakers have this down to a science. But for us—a household that only buys manual transmissions—we're often relegated to specific options, trim levels, and packages because we want to row our own gears. I suppose it's part of the plight that is being a die-hard stick shifter.

2014 Nissan Versa Note

The Nissan Versa sedan was redesigned in 2012. Now, for 2014, Nissan is redoing the hatchback, and it'll be very similar to the Japanese and European Nissan Note. In fact, it'll be called the Nissan Versa Note.

There's really not much info about powertrain, etc. yet, but stay tuned.

LINK
Subcompact Culture: 2012 Nissan Versa Review

Review: 2012 Nissan Versa 1.6S: A surprisingly frugal, functional, no-nonsense Nissan

Honestly, I didn’t know they made cars like this anymore. No power locks. No power windows. No keyless entry. No tachometer. Hubcaps. Unpainted mirrors. Yes, my friends, this is a stripped down model. But you know what? It’s actually refreshing. There are fewer electrical doo-dads, less motors to worry about, no confusing climate controls, and heck, there’s only one gauge to look at. Talk about combating distracted driving. It’s plain, simple, intuitive, basic. Most people immediately think the base model of any subcompact is going to suck. Even I thought this car was going to be a “penalty box” to drive for a week. No navigation? No alloy wheels? Not even keyless entry? Truth be told, I became fond of this no-nonsense Nissan. After all, there’s nothing wrong with frugal, and this car is quite good at it.

Cars with manual windows, mirrors, and locks

Today we say farewell to our 2012 Nissan Versa 1.6 S sedan review vehicle. This Spartan car proved to be good in many respects, although basic. No power windows, now power locks, no power mirrors, etc. Frankly, I didn’t know there were any cars left on the U.S. market without these three power items. This prompted me to see which other new vehicles are available without power features:

Chevrolet Sonic: Manual windows and mirrors (LS)

Chevrolet Spark: Manual windows and locks (LS)

Ford Fiesta: Manual windows and locks (S)

Honda Civic: Manual windows (DX)

Jeep Patriot: Manual windows and mirrors (Sport)

Kia Rio: Manual windows, mirrors, and locks (LX)

Kia Soul: Manual mirrors (Base)

Kia Forte: Manual windows, mirrors, and locks (LX)

Nissan Versa: Manual windows, mirrors, and locks (1.6 S)

Smart ForTwo: Manual windows and mirrors (Pure)

Toyota Yaris: Manual windows and mirrors (LE)

I think I hit almost all of them. Are there any 2012 or 2013 models that I missed? If so, let me know. Are you in a different country that the U.S.? Which cars don't have power locks, windows, or doors where you are?

In the driveway: 2012 Nissan Versa 1.6S

In the driveway this week is Nissan's 2012 Versa 1.6S. Honestly when I got the key to this model, I was in a bit of disbelief. I didn't know they made cars like this anymore: No keyless. No power windows, locks, mirrors. One gauge (speedometer). Heck, there are only two keyholes on the car—driver's door and trunk.Ladies and gentleman, behold: A stripped down model!

I'd actually wanted to get into this car for a while, as I can't remember the last time I drove a true base model. However, this isn't the base base model. It's got the CVT and cruise control. The price? $14,040 including delivery. Granted, this car can be had for as little as $11,770 (including destination and a manual transmission), but $14,040 is still good.

Over the 70 or so miles I've driven it since yesterday, I'm averaging nearly 38 MPG—quite good. It's got a huge trunk, rides surprisingly well, is quite comfortable, and feels very solid. Pretty, it ain't, at least not in my eyes, but I am kind of attracted to its simplicity. To be honest, I'm actually somewhat smitten with this frugal stripper.

More later. Stay tuned.

Where are the AWD subcompacts?

Did you know that the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and Nissan Versa are all available with all-wheel drive? No, not anywhere in this part of the world. However, in Japan, all three models are offered with AWD.

So where is the AWD love for the U.S.? Well, there isn't much: You've got the Suzuki SX4, the Nissan Juke, and the MINI Countryman. Want a manual transmission? Nix the Juke.

Car and Driver compares the latest subcompacts with somewhat surprising results.

The folks over at Car and Driver has posted their six-car comparison that includes the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, Kia Rio, and Chevrolet Sonic. All but the Fit are 2012 models. The results of the comparison are a bit surprising, too.

2012 Versa priced at under $11,000

Nissan announced that the new Versa sedan will be able to be had for less than $11,000. ($10,990, to be exact). This will net you a Versa S with a 1.6-liter, 109 hp engine with a five-speed trans. This combo will yeild an EPA average of 27 city, 36 highway (slightly higher with the optional CVT). Nissan is touting the next-gen Versa as the "Big small car." For example, Nissan says the new Versa will have more leg room than a BMW 5-series.

Nissan has referred to the exterior styling as "upscale." I refer to it as "eh." Although it's not my cup-o-tea, potential buyers may see that $11K price tag and come out in droves.
LINK
2012 Nissan Versa (Nissan USA)

Steve-O drives a Nissan Versa

According to an article on Motor Trend's website, comedian and author, Steve-O of "Jackass" fame, drives a 2009 Nissan Versa, and he gives it a 9 out of 10. Maybe he's a Subcompact Culture reader? Hey Steve-O, I'd be glad to send you a Subcompact Culture decal for your ride.

Anyway, check out the article; it's a good read. And Steve-O, if you're out there and want a decal, hit me up!

(If anyone else would like a decal, send me an e-mail via the link under the "Contact" heading at the left. Include name, address, and white or silver.)

LINK
Celebrity Drive: Comedian and Author Steve-O (Motor Trend)

Follow up: 40 (MPG) really is the new 30 (MPG)

Back in November, I posed the question, "Is 40 (MPG) the new 30 (MPG)?" After seeing the small cars from the 2011 New York Auto Show, you can believe it is.

Hyundai's Accent and Kia's Rio both joined the 40 MPG club. That means the 2011 Ford Fiesta, 2011 Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze ECO, Smart ForTwo Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio are all among the 40 MPG club. Of course, the Volkswagen TDI is there, too, but on diesel. Yes, there are a number of hybrid models here, too.

The next-generation Nissan Versa has been announced, and its mileage is only 34 on the highway, which might prove too little for fuel-thrifty buyers (assuming gas prices continue skyward). and it gets 37 mpg on the highway. The new Yaris is due for its debut soon, as is the Toyota iQ, so we'll see how many MPGs they'll get. Ditto that for the upcoming Chevrolet Sonic. Until then, we've got the elite bar-raising 40 MPG club. We'll see who's inducted next.

2012 Nissan Tiida/Versa

Here are photos of the next generation Nissan Versa, which were released at the Shanghai Motor Show. These are actually photos of the Asian-market Nissan Tiida , but the Versa should look the same. I see a bit of Nissan Leaf styling here. According to Autoblog, the car will have 108 horsepower and be mated to a CVT. They said EPA ratings should be around 28 city, 34 highway. They also mention the word "turbo," and since Nissan already has the turbo mill in the Juke, perhaps that could happen.

I'm not very fond of the new Tiida/Versa's styling, and 24 city MPG isn't terribly impressive. I am looking forward to hearing more specs so as to better judge the size of the vehicle. How much more has it grown (or shrank)? Will the USDM get the 108 hp mill, or will it get more power, like the current Versa? We'll see. The Versa has been a strong subcompact seller, so it will be interesting to see how this model pans out in the U.S. Also, will there be a sedan variant?

A new Versa on the horizon

Nissan has announced there's going to be a redesigned Versa coming out, and Nissan released this sketch of the car. It's certainly a stylish drawing, no? It definitely shows the car with a corporate Nissan look without being stodgy. Of course, who knows what it'll look like when it's actually built.

Which subcompact would you like to see in AWD?

If you want an all-wheel drive subcompact in North America, you've got one choice: The Suzuki SX4. (I love mine.) Soon there will be more choices: the Nissan Juke and MINI Countryman, for example. In the 1980s and '90s, there were several options including the venerable Subaru Justy, the Mitsubishi Expo LRV/Eagle Summit Wagon/Plymouth Colt Vista, the Nissan Axxess, and the Toyota Tercel wagon, for example.

In other parts of the world, many subcompacts are still offered with the option of having power to all four wheels: Toyota Vitz (e.g. Yaris), the Toyota Ist/Urban Cruiser (e.g. Scion xD), Honda Fit, Nissan's Tiida (e.g. Versa), and others.

So what subcompact would you like to see offered with AWD in North America (or the continent you're on)?

DC Sports releases Nissan Versa cat-back exhaust system

For Nissan Versa owners looking to bolt on a bit of power (and sound), DC Sports has recently released a cat-back system. Made from from mandrel-bent T304 stainless steel and hand welded, this piece will no doubt uphold the company's well-known performance and quality. Other features include a canister-style muffler, CNC-machined flanges, and all the necessary installation hardware.

LINK
DC Sports

VIDEO: Some good-looking Nissan Tiida/Versas

I found a video with some really good looking Nissan Tiidas and Versas. I particularly like the one at about 1:20.

Nissan announces 2010 Versa pricing

Good news for those looking to buy a 2010 Nissan Versa Sedan: The price is staying the same. And yes, that includes the $9,900 price for a base-model 1.6-liter Versa.

A very slight increase in price for the '10 Hatchback: $40 for the Versa S, $200 for the SL.

Model/Transmission	Sedan	Hatchback
Versa 1.6 Base 5MT	$9,990	-
Versa 1.6 5MT	$10,990	-
Versa 1.6 4AT	$11,990	-
Versa 1.8 S 6MT	$13,100	$13,150
Versa 1.8 S 4AT	$14,100	$14,150
Versa 1.8 SL 4AT	$16,100	-
Versa 1.8 SL CVT	-	$16,530

Nissan says the popular Versa 1.8 Sedan and Hatchback models receive significant exterior and interior enhancements, additional standard safety features and more standard equipment for the 2010 model year.

Subcompacts dominate "10 Cheapest Cars to Own" list

Most of us know that subcompacts and small cars are typically less expensive to own than larger vehicles. Many times they use less gas, and even have fewer repairs.

Today on Yahoo Finance, there's an article on The 10 Cheapest Cars to Own, according to part of an article called "Financially Fit" on Bankrate.com.

The list is made up of six subcompacts, and four compacts (in this order). To see total cost of ownership and cost per mile of each vehicle, check out the link to the article.

10. Hyundai Accent GS
9. Nissan Versa Base
8. Chevrolet Aveo5 LS
7. Suzuki SX4 Sedan
6. Pontiac G3
5. Mazda 3 iSport
4. Honda Fit
3. Pontiac Vibe
2. Toyota Yaris
1. Nissan Sentra

LINK
10 Cheapest Cars to Own (Yahoo Finance)